Power: extra R200 buys far fewer units

It penalises households trying to reduce usage Outa.

- Zanele Mbengo

TWO residents from Lufhereng in Johannesburg voiced deep concern over City Power's recent introduction of a R200 surcharge on prepaid electricity, emphasising the impact on their daily lives and household budgets.

Lebohang Ngobeni said they were expecting the electricity hike but were surprised by the new surcharge added to their bill.

"Normally, when we buy R400 electricity, we get around 120 units. But this time we bought the same amount and only got 60 units, which won't even last us halfway through the month," she said.

"It is hitting very hard. I don't have any alternatives.

"One day we will be in the dark because we can't afford to add on electricity. We are already on survival mode as it stands," Ngobeni said.

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) called on Joburg municipality to scrap new R200 prepaid fixed charge.

Julius Kleynhans, executive manager for local government at Outa, said this charge would have significant financial repercussions on communities, especially those who were most vulnerable.